4/12 Meeting the Moment
Dear All,
On Friday, Voter Protection Action, our 501(c)(4), brought together a bipartisan group of state leaders from across the country to discuss the coordinated voter suppression effort sweeping state houses and to share best practices for protecting access to the ballot box. The bipartisan group included current and former governors, lieutenant governors, state attorneys general, and secretaries of state (many released statements after the call). They were joined by Joanna Lydgate, Norman Eisen, former Governor Christine Todd Whitman (NJ), and former attorneys general Jahna Lindemuth (AL), Grant Woods (AZ), Tom Rath (NH), and John Farmer (NJ). The convening was covered in today’s Washington Post as “a chance to build on the momentum coming from Georgia. . . . [and] discuss how to keep the spotlight on other states where similar measures are under consideration.” On the broader voting rights landscape, VPP CEO Joanna Lydgate told the Post, “This is really a watershed moment. . . . We’ve all come to understand the consequences of lies and disinformation and conspiracy about voting.” Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper both noted to the Post their expectation that more businesses, including sports teams, would be weighing in soon. “Georgia is not a one-off,” Benson said. “Georgia is the first state. There’s Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, Wyoming.” “What’s important is to try to stop them in their tracks, before they become law,” said Cooper. “We were talking about ways to do that, and getting businesses to put pressure on legislators even before they take votes.” In a separate meeting of note over the weekend, more than 100 corporate leaders met on Saturday for a first-of-its-kind gathering (virtual, of course) to discuss the restrictive voting efforts in 47 states. They even broached the idea of pulling their political donations. Here is today’s update: |
National Update
Stateline: “Nation has Georgia on its mind, but many states are making voting easier.” By Matt Vasilogambros. (April 11, 2021) “There have been efforts by states such as Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Vermont and Virginia to expand voting by mail, early voting and voter registration. In Kentucky, which did not have early voting before the pandemic, the Republican-controlled legislature passed a bipartisan measure that will establish a three-day early voting period.” Wall Street Journal: “With Georgia Voting Law, the Business of Business Becomes Politics.” By Chip Cutter, Suzanne Vranica, Alison Sider. (April 10, 2021) CNN: “Polls show majority of Republicans mistakenly think the 2020 election wasn’t legitimate.” By Harry Enten. (April 11, 2021) NPR: “Who Are The Oath Keepers? Militia Group, Founder Scrutinized In Capitol Riot Probe.” By Ryan Lucas. (April 10, 2021) NBC (Opinion): “Manchin’s filibuster defense contradicts the Senate legacy he claims to protect: The senator from West Virginia says he sees himself as a defender of the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd. If we review Byrd’s legacy, however, it’s clear Manchin is not doing that.” By Fred Wertheimer, founder and president of Democracy 21. (April 12, 2021) Deadline: “The Battle Over The Filibuster Counters The Myth Of ‘Mr. Smith.’” By Ted Johnson. (April 11, 2021) Atlantic (Opinion): “How to Stop the Minority-Rule Doom Loop: The next two years might be America’s last chance to protect the basic democratic principle of majority rule.” By Adam Jentleson, author of “Kill Switch: The Rise of the Modern Senate.” (April 12, 2021) |
State Updates
Arizona
KOLD: “Arizona activists, faith leaders decry ‘voter suppression’ bills.” By Kiera Riley. (April 9, 2021) Georgia The Guardian: “Georgia governor claims MLB All-Star voting rights move hurts Black voters.” By Guardian staff and agencies. (April 10, 2021) Michigan Detroit Free Press (Opinion): “Pistons exec to Michigan lawmakers: Restricting voting rights will cost state.” By Arn Tellum, vice-chairman of the Detroit Pistons. (April 12, 2021) North Carolina WCNC: “‘The truth is, our elections are very, very secure,’ Winthrop professor debunks basis for restrictive voting laws.” By Ben Thompson. (April 10, 2021) Texas KXAN Austin: “‘I don’t see voter suppression’ – Speaker Dade Phelandefends House Bill 6 from corporate critics.” By John Thomas and Wes Rapaport. (April 11, 2021) |
Social Media
Follow the Voter Protection Program on Twitter to stay updated on the latest voter protection news. |